1940s Kay Openback Tenor Banjo

Overview: This is a pretty typical '40s-era Kay tenor banjo with a single coordinator-rod setup in the rear, an "adjustable" heel gizmo (which we set with a bolt to make it rigid during setup), a lightweight ply rim, and simple styling. It has the usual Kay "wave" headstock shape from the time and a neat shield decal which I haven't seen before. The original skin head is still extant but (luckily) the tuners have been upgraded. It's got a warm, mellow tone and is an easy, accurate player.

Repairs included: Jose went through this one. It got a level/dress of the frets, added bolt reinforcement at the neck joint (to "lock" the neck in position and hold it firm), cleaning, side dots added, and setup work. It's playing spot-on and ready to serve.

• Weight: 4 lbs 0 oz
• Scale length: 23"
• Nut width: 1 3/16"
• Neck shape: medium V
• Board radius: flat
• Depth at first fret: .92"
• Depth at seventh fret: .97"
• Head diameter: 10 3/4”
• Resonator diameter: 2 1/2"
• Depth overall at rim: 3 3/4"
• Rim wood: poplar
• Tonering: none
• Bridge: rosewood
• Fretboard: ebony
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: medium

Condition notes: The tuners, bridge, armrest, and perhaps the tailpiece are all newer It shows a little wear through the finish but is actually in really good shape for its age.

It comes with: It has its original (presumably) chip case in decent shape.

Consignor tag: TMOR